Neymar dyes his hair golden blonde for Mexico game

Brazilian star Neymar arrived on Sunday for his team's final training session ahead of Tuesday's game against Mexico sporting a new golden blonde hairstyle.

According to a spokesperson for the Brazilian national team, Neymar's stylist, Rodrigo Paiva turned up at the team's 'fortified' accommodation in Teresópolis on Saturday night to re-style and dye the striker's hair.

Full-back Dani Alves, Neymar's Brazil and Barça teammate, also took advantage to dye his hair silver.

"There was no particular reason, they just fancied doing it," said Paiva when asked whether the change had anything to do with the game against Mexico, who have been one of Brazil's toughest football opponents since 1999.

Neymar's constant changes of hairstyle and colour have been one of his trademarks over the past few years, especially during his time at Santos.

That attitude drew criticism in Brazil and even from footballing legend Pelé, who accused Neymar of being "in the media too much": "He's more concerned with looking good in the media than playing for the team," he snapped at the beginning of last year.

However, since joining Barcelona, the 22-year-old Brazilian has toned down his hairstyle choices.